Endoscopic management of benign pancreatic disease

Since the introduction of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (E RCP) by McCune et al, in 1968 (1) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in 197 4 (2), there has been a rapid proliferation of endoscopic techniques for th e diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant biliary and pancreatic di sorders. Although therapeutic ERCP has been a well-established modality for management of biliary tract disorders, its role in pancreatic diseases is still evolving (3-5). The limited number of randomized clinical trials and concern over potentially serious complications have prevented its widesprea d use in pancreatic disorders (6), Proper application of these therapeutic techniques and more randomized trials are needed to identify those patients with pancreatic disorders who will benefit most from endoscopic therapy. V arious pancreatic disorders in which endoscopic therapy has been successful ly applied an summarized in Table 1, Here we review the current status of e ndoscopic therapy in benign pancreatic disease.